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Biomedical subjects

H Zwipp

Publications and source records attributed to H Zwipp.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Damage to large tendons: Achilles, patellar and quadriceps tendons].

The etiology and mechanisms of Achilles, patellar and quadriceps tendon ruptures are very similar. Age dependent changes in tendon structure and disorders such gout, diabetes, rheumatic diseases and chronic renal failure are associated causes. The main mechanism of rupture is indirect trauma. Although clinical diagnosis is easy, ruptures are still frequently missed. Sonography is the main standard diagnostic tool. MRI is indicated only in special cases. Open operative repair is the most common treatment for quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures. Treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures is moving towards an individualized choice of therapy. Percutaneous and other "minimally invasive" techniques will play an increasingly important role.

Achilles Tendon↗

[Percutaneous dorsal versus open instrumentation for fractures of the thoracolumbar border. A comparative, prospective study].

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a percutaneous dorsal instrumentation of thoracolumbar fractures prevents irreversible damage to the spinal muscles. METHODS: A total of 57 patients with thoracolumbar fractures (Th12-L4) were divided into two groups, comparable in terms of gender, fracture level, classification and surgical concept. In the first, 24/57 patients were treated using an open procedure (OP-G); in the second, 33/57 were treated via percutaneous dorsal instrumentation (PER-G). Fracture localisation and classification, accuracy of pedicle screw placement, perioperative blood loss, OR- and image converter time as well as muscle damage (needle-EMG) were evaluated. RESULTS: OR- and image converter time as well as the accuracy of pedicle screw placement were not statistically different between groups. The difference in perioperative blood loss [43 (10-90) ml (PER-G) vs [870 (570-1,200 ml (OP-G)] was statistically significant (P <0.005). Needle EMG revealed no muscle damage, and the physiological activity and muscle potentials were normal (PER-G). In the OP-G, polyphasic EMG signals were most common (80%), a sign of the drop-out of numerous motor units. CONCLUSIONS: The open procedure caused permanent and significant damage to the strongest extensors of the autochthonus back musculature, the m. multifidus, which results from multisegment combined damage to the r. posterior nervi spinalis and muscle fibres. In contrast, percutaneous placement of an internal fixative reduces perioperative access morbidity causing little iatrogenic damage to back muscles and only a minor perioperative blood loss.

Adult↗

[Traumatic hemipelvectomy].

With an incidence of only 0.6% of all pelvic injuries, traumatic hemipelvectomy is a rare event. It is defined as open or closed avulsion of one hemipelvis with occlusion or disruption of the main vessels and lengthening or disruption of the nerves, often complicated by urogenital or anorectal injuries. The mechanism of injury in this case is a typical one with extreme abduction and external rotation of the leg, causing sacroiliac joint disruption and symphysis separation. Two other mechanisms described are avulsion when the leg becomes entangled in a piece of machinery or a massive crushing at the groin. After a fast treatment in the field, the patient described was treated with immediate open revision, tamponade and stabilization of the pelvis. Upper leg preservation by reconstruction of the femoral vessels with vascular prostheses was attempted. Because of a broad necrosis of soft tissues, early completion of the hemipelvectomy was performed. The patient recovered well. Miction and bowel evacuation as well as sexual function could be preserved. The resulting quality of life is high and the patient is socially reintegrated without problems.

Adolescent↗

[Distal radius fracture. Correlation between radiological and functional results].

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of the radiological parameters on the functional outcome of patients with a fracture of the distal radius and to find out to which extent a deformity can be tolerated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 344 patients with an isolated fracture of the distal radius were treated during a 3-year period; 211 of them were evaluated at an average of 16 months after the accident according to the score of Gartland and Werley as modified by Sarmiento. Furthermore, we developed our own score for evaluating the influence of radiological parameters on the functional outcome. RESULTS: According to the AO classification, there were 20 patients with an A2, 71 an A3, 11 a B, 35 a C1, 44 a C2, and 30 a C3 fracture. Of 211 patients, 28 (13%) had a step-off in the articular surface of over 1 mm, resulting in a 24% reduction of the range of motion compared to the non-injured wrist (p<0.05). Patients with a radial shortening of more than 3 mm (n=12) had a 21% reduction of pro- and supination compared to the non-injured side (p<0.05). The radial tilt and the palmar inclination did not have a direct influence on the functional outcome. Patients treated with K-wire pinning and with an initial palmar inclination of less then -15 degrees had a significantly higher secondary loss of palmar inclination of 9 degrees compared to all others (p<0.05) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The main radiological factors influencing the functional outcome of fractures of the distal radius are radial shortening and a step-off in the articular surface.

Adolescent↗

[Corrective tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for malunion after fracture-dislocation].

Malunited fracture dislocations at the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc's) joint regularly lead to painful deformities with severe functional impairment for the affected patients. Malunions result from initially overlooked injuries as well as from misjudged and inadequately treated injuries. Depending on the nature of the primary dislocation, either abduction or adduction of the forefoot will result, accompanied by a planus or cavus deformity. Corrective arthrodesis aims at axial realignment at the tarsometatarsal junction, and elimination of residual instabilities especially after pure ligamentous injuries. Fusion should be limited to the medial metatarsocuneiform joints if full realignment of all five metatarsals can be achieved with this procedure. A review of the literature revealed that corrective tarsometatarsal arthrodesis reproducibly leads to considerable pain reduction and functional improvement with patient satisfaction between 69% and 100%. Favourable prognostic factors are anatomic realignment and limited fusion of the first to third metatarsocuneiform joints.

Arthrodesis↗

[Arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint].

The talonavicular joint as part of the coxa pedis plays a pivotal role in the overall motion of the foot. The necessity for talonavicular fusion arises from isolated arthritis of posttraumatic, rheumatoid, degenerative, or idiopathic etiology. Posttraumatic arthritis is seen after malunited mid-tarsal (Chopart) fracture-dislocations and is frequently accompanied by malalignment due to an imbalance between the medial and lateral columns of the foot. In these cases a corrective arthrodesis becomes necessary. In cases of poor bone stock or arthritis of the calcaneocuboid joint, a double arthrodesis is preferred over isolated talonavicular fusion. Fusion with mini-plates is biomechanically superior to fusion with screws and especially staples, the latter being associated with non-union rates of up to 37%. Talonavicular fusion allows reproducible pain reduction in isolated arthritis with subjective patient satisfaction of between 86% and 100% in a literature review. The substantial reduction of movement in the triple joint complex leads to overload of the adjacent joints with development of arthritis in about 30% in the medium term.

Ankle Injuries↗

[Subtalar arthrodesis with calcaneal osteotomy].

The amount of postraumatic deformities of the calcaneus after fracture is classified in 5 types (Type I-V). The bony situation includes in the simple group A malunions, in group B the more demanding nonunions and in Group C the worst cases with additional aseptic or septic necrosis of parts of the calcaneus. For type I with posttraumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint and without malalignement, an in situ-arthrodesis is suitable. Type II, with an additional varus- or valgus hind foot deformity, but especially in type III with additional loss of height and dorsal tilting of the talus a bone block distraction arthrodesis is required. Type IV includes, additionally to the pathology of type I to type III, a lateral translation of the calcaneus. This indirectly causes a severe hind foot valgus and an abutment of the posterior facet towards the lateral malleolus. This type needs osteotomy of the calcaneus through the old fracture surfaces, performed using a bilateral approach. Type V is very rare but the most difficult one for reconstructive surgery because the talus is additionally tilted out of the ankle joint. Therefore, in addition to the bilateral approach and calcaneal osteotomy, an anteromedian approach to the ankle joint is necessary. The surgical procedure in group A (malunion) is more or less the same like in group B (nonunion). Group C (aseptic / septic osteonecrosis) needs a preliminary radical necrectomy in a two stage reconstructive procedure.

Adult↗

[Impact of rescue method and the destination clinic on mortality in polytrauma. A status report].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to document the present knowledge from the medical literature on (1) efficacy of aeromedical evacuation (helicopter emergency medical service, HEMS) and (2) influence of the level of the first receiving hospital on mortality of patients. METHODS: Systematic review of the literature between 1970 and 2003; identification of studies with an evidence level of at least III and included control group; own results. RESULTS: (1) 17 studies concerning the efficacy of HEMS were included into the review. No single study yielded shorter rescue times with the use of HEMS. 11 of 17 studies showed a significantly higher survival rate (8.2 to 52%) with the employment of HEMS especially with mid-degree polytrauma. (2) All 6 relevant studies dealing with hospital level found a considerable lower mortality rate (19 to 42%) for patients treated primarily at a level 1 trauma center or comparable institution. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed studies showed a trend toward decreased mortality rates with the employment of HEMS. Considering the comparable hospital level and even longer rescue times with HEMS, these differences can be explained with higher quality of initial diagnosis and treatment of the HEMS rescue team. Furthermore, mortality rates can be lowered significantly through primary treatment at a level 1 trauma center. Thus, the more flexible choice of the first receiving hospital represents a specific, clinically relevant advantage of HEMS in emergency medicine.

Air Ambulances↗

[Percutaneous technique for Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden Instruments].

BACKGROUND: The percutaneous technique for Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden instruments (pDI suture) was developed to minimize the typical problems of percutaneous Achilles tendon sutures. METHODS: From 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2003, the pDI suture was performed in 61 patients with 62 Achilles tendon ruptures. We reviewed 39 of 47 patients (83%) with 40 ruptured Achilles tendons who had undergone percutaneous repair at a minimal interval of 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: In this study we observed no sural nerve injuries. The rerupture rate was 2/62 or 3.2%. In one patient (1.6%) a superficial late infection occurred after tendon healing. Using the criteria of Trillat and Mounier-Kuhn, 62% of the results were very good and 30% good. The average AOFAS score was 96 (78-100) points; 78% of the patients assessed the result of treatment as very good and 20% as good. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous suture using the Dresden instruments is a minimally invasive operative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture resulting in nearly all very good and good subjective and clinical results. It combines a low rerupture and infection rate with a minimized risk of sural nerve injury.

Achilles Tendon↗

[Frequency of acute and chronic scapholunate dissociation in distal radius fractures. Different treatment plans].

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of acute scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is crucial for obtaining a favorable result in fractures of the distal radius. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of acute SLD in a prospective study and to differentiate this entity from chronic SLD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients with unilateral distal radius fractures were prospectively evaluated for SLD. Stress radiographs were obtained for all patients on the injured side after fixation of the distal radius fractures. In cases of SLD the unaffected side was examined to rule out chronic, bilateral SLD. RESULTS: Acute SLD was detected in 13 patients (11%), 11 (9.1%) of whom had stage 3 injury. Chronic SLD with bilateral asymptomatic instability was seen in three patients (2.5%). CONCLUSION: When treating fractures of the distal radius, acute SLD has to be ruled out and to be discriminated from chronic SLD. While acute SLD requires appropriate treatment, immediate treatment of chronic SLD is not indicated.

Acute Disease↗

[Accidents in children and adolescents. Analysis of the accident event].

BACKGROUND: Accidents are the most frequent cause of death in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to determine factors, which affect injury severity and to compare the absolute number of accidents with exposition data. PATIENT AND METHODS: From 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2001 a school survey of 2325 pupils was carried out. The 3645 accidents sustained by children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 years treated at the surgical emergency department of the University Hospital Dresden were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 3645 patients, 620 (17%) were admitted to hospital and 3025 (83%) were treated as outpatients. The most frequent diagnosis of the hospitalized patients was commotio cerebri; 83% of 36 severely injured patients had a head injury. 55.5% (297 of 536) of children between 6 and 9 years were using a protective helmet. In contrast only 14% of adolescents carried a protective helmet. None of 50 injured bicycle drivers with helmet had an AIS for head injuries >2. Twenty-for of 233 injured bicycle drivers without helmet had an AIS for head injuries >2. CONCLUSIONS: Head injuries are the main cause of hospitalization in traumatized children and adolescents. However, the use of a protective helmet becomes significantly less frequent with increasing age.

Accident Prevention↗

[Foot injuries in the polytraumatized patient].

Foot injuries in polytraumatized patients are not critical for survival but for the later quality of life. Closed fractures or dislocations of the foot are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted in association with polytrauma, which leads to severe functional impairment in those patients who survive. Repeated clinical examinations and early radiographic examinations are essential in the unconscious patient after resuscitation. Emergent indications for surgery even in the presence of multiple injuries are open injuries, incarcerated soft tissues, manifest compartment syndrome of the foot, and neurovascular injury. The decision on limb salvage or amputation has to be individualized with respect to the patient's overall condition and the severity of local trauma to the foot. The "life before limb" principle has to be respected. Emergent reduction of fracture dislocations of the talus, calcaneus, Chopart's and Lisfranc's joints via direct approaches and temporary transfixation with K-wires should be attempted in a first step whenever possible. Additional external fixation facilitates wound care and prevents soft tissue contractions until definite internal fixation becomes feasible. Early soft tissue coverage is always sought in order to avoid infection.

Amputation, Surgical↗

[Fracture of the calcaneus].

Although screw or plate fixation of the fractured calcaneus was first described in the 1920s, surgical treatment using open anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation only commenced at the start of the 1980s. This treatment was made possible by the introduction of new imaging methods such as CT which allowed better detection of the fracture pathology and provided the basis for new surgical strategies. New procedures, including modified surgical approaches related to vascular anatomy, arthroscopic control of the subtalar joint during open or closed reduction, early free flap coverage in severe open or closed fractures with full-thickness skin necrosis, increasingly available (3)D intraoperative radiographic monitoring, and the use of interlocking calcaneus plates, have significantly improved the functional outcome in the treatment of fractures of the calcaneus.

Ankle Injuries↗

[Reorientational arthrodesis of the ankle joint using four screws].

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of the ankle has gained wide acceptance as a first-line treatment option for painful posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The technique using four to five lag screws for internal osteosynthesis is a safe and biomechanically stable method to obtain a sound ankle fusion with good to excellent long-term results in the majority of patients. Malalignment hazards are minimized by preservation of the ankle mortise. METHODS: The meticulous resection of all cartilage and sclerotic bone as well as an atraumatic surgical technique are essential for preventing major complications. The need for revision surgery is minimized by correction of talar malalignment, fusion with the foot in a 90 degrees position and preoperative evaluation of the subtalar joint. In a series of 40 ankle fusions fixed with the lag screw technique, 82.5% good to excellent results were obtained after 5.6 (4.8-7.6) years. No infection, stress fracture or non-union was seen. RESULTS: In cases of osteitis, osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, and poor soft-tissue condition, external fixation techniques are preferred. In the presence of severe loss of bone stock at the distal tibia, stability can be achieved by using a compression nail for tibiotalar fusion without additional subtalar arthrodesis.

Adult↗

[The reorientational rearthrodesis of the upper ankle joint following failed arthrodesis].

There are three important principles for the correction of nonunion and/or malunion of the ankle joint: (1) reorientation back to anatomic shape and to the normal biomechanical axis of the ankle and foot; (2) respect for the biology of bone by resecting all sclerotic bone and/or transplantation of autogenous bone graft; and (3) achievement of optimal biomechanical stability by using the four-screw technique, a limited-contact dynamic-compression plate or a blade plate. CT scanning is the most reliable method for detecting nonunion of the ankle joint after arthrodesis. According to Saltzman, in order to understand the pathology of malunions and nonunions and to plan their correction, weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs with a 20 degrees internal rotation of the feet, precise lateral views, and rear views of both sides are highly recommended.

Adult↗

[Hindfoot arthrodesis resulting from retrograde medullary pinning].

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joints and correction of axial malalignment of the hindfoot in cases of bony defects and/or circulatory disturbances of the talus after multiple previous interventions. Internal stabilization with a short distal femur nail. Restoration of pain-free weight bearing. Failure of arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joint in patients with severely altered bone structure particularly at the level of the talar dome. Malalignment of hind- and/or forefoot after previous arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joint. Poor skin or soft-tissue condition. Acute osteitis/osteomyelitis. METHODS: Posterolateral approach. Resection of the articular cartilage and the areas of sclerosis of the ankle and posterior facet of the subtalar joint. Interposition of bone grafts harvested from the posterior iliac crest. Correction of malalignment of the hind- and forefoot. Locked nailing with a short distal femur nail. RESULTS: All 21 prospectively enrolled patients were followed-up clinically and radiographically at an average of 1.2 years (0.6-2.1 years) postoperatively. The average age of the 4 women and 17 men at the time of surgery was 53.4 years (38.9-73.7 years). The goal of the surgery was achieved in all patients. Subjective assessment was good in 14 patients and satisfactory in 3 patients. Complications occurred in 5 patients; these included loss of nail purchase (2), dislocation of locking screw (1), breakage of locking screw (1), and nonunion (1).

Ankle Joint↗

[Advantages of minimally-invasive reposition, retention, and Ilizarov-(hybrid)fixation for pilon-tibial-fractures fractures with particular emphasis on C2/C3 fractures].

Between October 1993 and September 1999 a total of 62 tibial pilon fractures in 59 patients were treated at the Clinic for Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technical University Dresden. In a retrospective study 49 patients with 50 tibial pilon fractures (81%) could be examined an average of 28 months after injury. The purpose of this study was to compare clinically and radiographically the healing results obtained after using the Ilizarov technique in combination with minimally invasive internal fixation (group I) with those after a conventional surgical procedure (internal fixation with a plate, external fixation with or without minimally invasive internal fixation, and screw fixation exclusively, group II) and to evaluate the efficacy of the Ilizarov technique. Data analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of 43 C2/C3 fractures in Ilizarov group I (73%) than in group II (33.3%). Severe soft tissue injuries and particularly open injuries had a significantly higher incidence in Ilizarov group I (100%) than in group II (38%). Despite the high incidence of C2/C3 fractures and severe soft tissue injuries in group I, there was no incidence of pseudarthrosis or osteitis in the further course and there was no need for arthrodesis during the long-term course. After therapy with a conventional surgical technique, the incidence of osteitis was 5% and of delayed union of a fracture 2.5% and arthrodesis was necessary in 8%. A disadvantage of the Ilizarov system was the relatively frequent incidence of pin infection (45%) necessitating surgical debridement in 18%. The efficacy of the treatment of 43 C2/C3 fractures with the Ilizarov technique was obvious by a statistically significantly better Maryland Foot Score in comparison with group II. More than 87% of the patients treated with the Ilizarov technique and only 38% of the patients treated with a conventional surgical procedure obtained a very good or good score. According to these findings, the Ilizarov technique in combination with minimally invasive internal fixation is an effective method to treat complicated tibial pilon fractures with severe soft tissue trauma.

Adult↗